Welcome to Buffaloes Summer Break where CUBuffs.com catches up with Colorado student-athletes and coaching staff members throughout the summer "off season."

Today's installment comes from J.T. Wenger, entering his first season as an assistant volleyball coach. Wenger joined head coach Liz Kritza's program this last February after spending six seasons on the bench with the UCLA men's volleyball team. He also has experiences coaching with USA Volleyball as well as the high school and club circuit. A 2004 UCLA graduate, he was a three-year letterwinner for the Bruins and briefly played professionally in Puerto Rico.

What is your favorite summer time activity?
Beach volleyball, throwing the Frisbee, cooking/grilling.

Explain one aspect of your job during the off-season that fans may not realize.
The summer travel for recruiting never stops.

The most important thing your current student-athletes should be doing this summer?
Playing Volleyball! Play and compete! Play beach!

What is your favorite moment here at Colorado so far?
The academic breakfast was a great event for the student athletes.

A summer-time activity you enjoyed growing up that is NOT your current sport?
I always enjoyed camping/backpacking.

Best advice for youth that are beginning to compete in athletics.
Learn how to play. Getting coached is very important, but young athletes should learn how to compete and play without needing somebody to be watching. Learn how to play because you like the activity, not because you have to be involved in it.

If you could sit in with one other coaching staff at CU for a game/event that is not your sport, which staff would it be and why?
Soccer. That group of coaches is quite entertaining (funny).